Cyclictriphosphazene derivatives as liquid electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are being utilized for energy storage for numerous applications due to their lightweight, high power density characteristics. The electronics industry relies on these systems for devices that are requiring an ever-increasing demand for higher output. Traditional lithium-ion liquid electrolytes are a mixture of organic compounds that are low in viscosity and provide high ion mobility. Unfortunately, these materials have inherent disadvantages such as, volatility and flammability. As the power demands on these systems increase, the potential for dramatic and irreversible failure of these batteries also increases. The failure of these batteries resulting in fires is the limiting factor preventing the wide-spread use and acceptability of lithium-ion batteries as power sources in large-scale systems, such as hybrid cars. The synthesis and characterization of a series of cyclictriphosphazene electrolytes that are non-flammable, non-volatile, low viscosity, and possess good ion mobility will be discussed.